UPDATE: Approximately 72 million Americans are currently under urgent wind alerts as a severe winter weather system disrupts holiday travel plans from the High Plains to the Northeast. Powerful winds and snowstorms are expected to intensify throughout the weekend, significantly impacting travel for millions.
This coast-to-coast weather system is sweeping eastward, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph in certain areas. Regions across Appalachia, New England, and coastal Maine will face the brunt of these intense conditions. Meanwhile, rain and wind will continue to affect communities from Washington, D.C. to Boston well into the evening.
The most critical travel disruptions are anticipated on the West Coast, especially in California, during the busy Christmas week. After evading the severe storm that battered the Northwest, California is now bracing for a series of storms bringing heavy downpours from this weekend through Christmas. These downpours could lead to urban flooding, small-stream overflows, and potential river flooding, with lower and mid-level areas expecting several inches of rainfall.
Airports across the Northeast may experience significant delays as lake-effect snow blankets the region. Conditions are expected to improve later in the evening, but travelers should remain vigilant. According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty, a larger clipper storm is projected to impact parts of the Upper Midwest and Northeast from December 25 to December 26, with Tuesday emerging as the most challenging day for travel disruptions in the Northeast.
In the Sierra Nevada and parts of the Cascades, meteorologists predict multiple feet of snow at higher elevations, which could severely impede travel. AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno emphasized the potential dangers, noting that snow levels may dip to pass levels.
While the weekend outlook appears calmer for some, lingering winds and snow will still affect the Great Lakes area. Remarkably, states not hit by winter weather are on track for one of the warmest Christmases on record, with temperatures soaring into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit across at least a dozen states, including Texas, Missouri, and Georgia.
New Yorkers hoping for a snowy Christmas may be disappointed. While New York City will remain dry and comfortable with mid-40s temperatures, there is a slight chance of light snowfall early next week. According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist John Feerick, any accumulation is likely to melt before Christmas.
As travel plans are severely disrupted by these winter conditions, millions are urged to stay updated on weather alerts and prepare for potential delays. With significant impacts expected, now is the time to take precautions and plan accordingly.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
